Raised Design & Options

Presented by: Bruce Cordova Innovative Design Alternative NAHB Consumer Preference

. 42% of consumers prefer wood framed first

. 25% prefer slabs

Photos show Habitat for Humanity in Gulfport, MS. Raised Floor Benefits Champion Homes

“They choose the raised one…” – Billy Ward Champion Builders, Port Allen, LA President, Baton Rouge HBA Tilson Homes

“Our focus study revealed that homebuyers in Texas believe a RWF is a custom upgrade…a slab gives a production builder feel.” – Robert Kennedy, Tilson Homes, Houston, TX Raised Wood Floor Benefits

. Curb Appeal . Comfortable Walking Surface . Classic Style . Traditional Neighborhood Streetscapes . Decks & Extend Living Space . Simplified Future Repairs and Renovations . Increased Resale Values “A should have a top, middle, and a base.” – Kevin Harris, Architect Numerous Advantages

Simple inspections

Easy maintenance Less & improvements expensive to repair than slab Builders RWF Cost Assumptions

“I like raised wood floors, but they’re $10,000 – $15,000 more than slab-on-.” – Mike Feigin Design Tech Homes, Houston, TX

“We only offer raised wood floors because they are more cost effective than slab-on-grade. It’s the lowest cost method we can build.” – Lowell Pinnock, United-Bilt Homes, Houston, TX B.C. Daniels Incorporated

Mobile, AL APA and CAWS launched a cost study to be conducted by NAHB – Research Center: .3 Raised Wood Floors .3 Slab-On-Grade .3 Elevated Slabs The 99K House

Houston, TX www.the99khouse.com

Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Build Cows choose Raised Wood Floors Top 3 Federal Flood Disasters Before Katrina/Rita

Storm Date Payout Claims TS Allison 6/2001 $1.1 billion 30,274 H. Ivan 9/2004 $1 billion 24,440 May 8-9 flood 5/1995 $584 million 31,264 Katrina/Rita/Ike Hurricane Ike Kemah - 2008 Flood Resistant Construction

In areas prone to flooding, use methods and practices that minimize flood damage Flood Openings? Elevated, Filled Slab Raised Perimeter Stem Slab on Compacted Fill Pier-and-Beam Foundations Champion Homes Port Allen, LA Continuous Foundation Footing Incorporating Decorative Lattice Panels Costs Comparison Slab $6.60-$7.50

Piers $190 each - $3 Lumber with ¾” SIF 2x10 - $1.25 2x12 - $1.50 Costs Labor $.65- $1.00 Fill $80-$100 load 1’-$.75 2’-$1.50 3’-$2.25 Moisture & Insulation Study

Study in conjunction with LSU, APA, FPL, & SFPA. Insulation types in study:

.Fiberglass batt .Rigid faced foam board (taped) .Low-density spray foam .Medium-density spray foam .High-density spray foam Motivation

• “What’s the best way to insulate a crawlspace?” • Many opinions but lack of research • Need for durable, energy-efficient housing • Moisture control/durability are essential Experimental

• 12 total – 8 in Musicians’ Village – 4 in Baton Rouge Insulation Systems

Figure from July/August 2008 Coastal Contractor Instrumentation Closed Example Extend Vapor Retarder Up Wall Repair Unit Costs

Contractor Ext Pier Int Pier Concrete Mud Removal Breakout Pumping to 2 to 4 in lift A $225 - $325 - $350 $250 - $350 $35 - $45 $1900 Montgomery Co. $250

B $400- $650 Varies ~$150 $125 Harris Co. 600 per pier C $595 $655 NC NC $500 - $800 Harris Co.

“Repair of slab-on-grade foundations can be very expensive.” John Clark, PE Raised Wood Floor Repair Costs

Est. Cost to Shim Piers for RWF Contractor $2.35/ft2 with min. of $1200 to $1900 A $125 per pier B $3.00/ft2 with min. of $2000. Typical range in Houston reported to be $2.50 to $3.50/ ft2 C

“With a raised wood floor, repairs are much lower since individual piers or beams may be adjusted by direct access.” John Clark, PE Raised Wood Floors on Expansive Research

. Research Expansive Soils (Houston) - Engineered Foundations - Monitor Movement

Ronny Carroll Homes Houston, TX www.RaisedFloorLiving.com Thanks for Attending